Watercolors are the easiest thing to pick up and make a simple pattern with. I bought a new set for my daughter, and soon found myself convincing her we should spend more time painting because I enjoyed it so much. So, while I still paint her requested horses (favorite animal) I now work on a few patterns of my own. My first project was this black and white valentine’s diy : xoxo paper.

I bought a few large sheets of both white and black paper (sold at the campus store of our local college, actually) and picked up some gouache paint so I could create the white on black pattern. Over the course of our next few painting dates, I worked on my pattern as she created her own and stopped more often than not to stir the water dish. It’s always the little things that captivate their attention.

I used the paper I made for a recent Valentine’s shoot I’ll be sharing soon. It’s perfect for making cards, wrapping around gifts and decorating a table with… and did I mention watercolors are relaxing? I think so – hope you find renewed purpose when you are painting with your kids, or a reason to step away from the screens and do something with your hands – enjoy!